BAPTISM OF CHILDREN UNDER 7 AT ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL PARISH 

Congratulations and thank you for bringing your child/ren for baptism. This is an important occasion, not only for you, but for all of us in St Mary’s Parish, Sale.

To help you more fully understand Initiation into the Church Community of God’s children - which the Sacrament of Baptism signifies - we ask you to participate in a ‘Baptism Preparation Session’, and a “Rite of Welcome’ (which is the first part of the Baptism Ceremony itself). As the minimum requirement for Baptism in St Mary’s Sale Parish, attendance at both of these is necessary. As in Baptism parents commit themselves to the faith-life of their child/children. By attending a Preparation Session and Rite of Welcome the parish will assist you to grow in your understanding of the significance of Baptism.

Please note you must live within the boundaries of St Mary’s Cathedral Parish (Sale, Stratford, Briagolong, Longford, Golden Beach, Loch Sport, Seaspray and Rosedale) in order to have your child/children baptised in our Parish. (Maffra, Heyfield, Tinamba etc have their own parish). One of the parents must be a Catholic. 

One of the Godparents must be a Catholic who has made all their Sacraments. If you don’t meet these guidelines, please talk to Clare in the Parish Office on 5144 4100.

BAPTISM PREPARATION SESSIONS will be discussed when you meet with a Parish Priest. You can arrange this by calling the Parish Office on 5144 4100 – these meetings are generally held on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 11am & 12pm or from 1.30 – 4.00pm (subject to the availability of our Priests).

THE RITE OF WELCOME can be celebrated at any weekend Mass you choose “after” having attended a Baptism Preparation Session and “prior to” the Baptism. If you wish, the Rite of Welcome and Baptism can happen on the same day, or on separate occasions.

WEEKEND MASS TIMES:

Sale – Saturday Vigil – 5.30pm & Sunday - 9.30am and 5.30pm

Stratford -  1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays 9.30am Mass

Rosedale -  5.30pm Saturday

Briagolong -  2nd and 4th Sunday 9.30am Mass

Loch Sport – 2nd and 4th Saturday 11.00am Mass

FOR BAPTISM TIMES: See the ‘Rite of Welcome’ and ‘Baptism’ Booking Form.

BAPTISM OFFERING: There is never a charge for a Sacrament. The amount suggested by the Diocese to cover the administration of a baptism is $50.00.

Payments can be made for the administration fee &/or candle and stole by making an electronic payment at:

Name: St Mary's Cathedral Parish

BSB: 083 879

Account: 48916 8836

REQUISITES FOR BAPTISM: For each baptism the child/ren will require a Candle and White stole. These can be purchased at the Parish Office. The stoles are plain and cost $10. Candles purchased from the Parish Office and are $15 and decorated with the child’s name and date of baptism. Both can be purchased online or elsewhere if preferred. Refer to the ‘Baptism Candle and Stole order form’ for additional details. The certificate and candle (if ordered) will be available on the day of the Baptism.

BAPTISM PROGRAM - RSVP Would you complete the Rite of Welcome and Baptism Booking Form and return to the Parish Office via email at sale@cdsale.org.au. Please read the publications ‘Baptism Preparation of Infants booklet’ and ‘Baptism Information Sheet’ which can be found on our Recommended links. Please check with the office by phone or email which preparation session is available for you to attend. Baptism preparation sessions take place at 7.00pm in the Chapter House (off Reeve St) – parking is available. They are held on the second Tuesday of each month. We look forward to seeing you there. Thank you.

BAPTISM PROGRAM FORMS Can be found in our Recommended Links. You will need ‘Baptism Preparation of Infants booklet’, ‘Baptism Information Sheet’, the 'Baptism Booking form as well as the 'Baptism Candle and Stole order form'.